Krystal Vasquez
@kvasquez.bsky.social
Science policy reporter @cenmag.bsky.social. Based near LA. I write a lot about science funding and diversity in STEM.
Email: k_vasquez(at)acs.org
Signal: kvasquez.12
Once upon a time, I was an atmospheric chemist.
All views and opinions are mine.
Email: k_vasquez(at)acs.org
Signal: kvasquez.12
Once upon a time, I was an atmospheric chemist.
All views and opinions are mine.
Pinned
Krystal Vasquez
@kvasquez.bsky.social
· May 14
Reintroduction time!
I'm Krystal, a science policy reporter at @cenmag.bsky.social. These days, I mostly report on the chaos happening at the NSF, but I also write about STEM education and equity issues within science.
Any tips? Reach me on Signal at kvasquez.12 or via email at k_vasquez@acs.org
I'm Krystal, a science policy reporter at @cenmag.bsky.social. These days, I mostly report on the chaos happening at the NSF, but I also write about STEM education and equity issues within science.
Any tips? Reach me on Signal at kvasquez.12 or via email at k_vasquez@acs.org
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
In October 2025, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month #NDEAM. Meet the 2025 C&EN Trailblazers, chemists with disabilities who rethink how we do science: cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM #chemsky 🧪
#DisabledInSTEM #chemsky 🧪
Trailblazers: Chemists with disabilities rethink how we do science
C&EN’s 2025 Trailblazers issue, curated by guest editor Mona Minkara, looks at how chemists can solve problems in new ways
cen.acs.org
October 9, 2025 at 11:59 AM
In October 2025, we celebrate the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month #NDEAM. Meet the 2025 C&EN Trailblazers, chemists with disabilities who rethink how we do science: cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM #chemsky 🧪
#DisabledInSTEM #chemsky 🧪
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
"Inclusive design doesn’t just widen participation; it expands the very structure-function relationship of science itself. We all stand to gain from that."
#NDEAM #DisabledInSTEM #chemsky 🧪
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
#NDEAM #DisabledInSTEM #chemsky 🧪
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
The tools we build become the questions we ask
Why inclusive design is good for more than access—it expands the boundaries of discovery
cen.acs.org
October 9, 2025 at 4:11 PM
"Inclusive design doesn’t just widen participation; it expands the very structure-function relationship of science itself. We all stand to gain from that."
#NDEAM #DisabledInSTEM #chemsky 🧪
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
#NDEAM #DisabledInSTEM #chemsky 🧪
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
We saw big disruptions to science during the 2018-19 shutdown, but this one could bring with it a new threat: further reductions in the federal workforce.
cen.acs.org/policy/resea...
cen.acs.org/policy/resea...
Scientists brace for impact of US government shutdown
Trump administration’s plan for mass federal layoffs could further disrupt research funding and environmental regulation
cen.acs.org
October 3, 2025 at 12:25 AM
We saw big disruptions to science during the 2018-19 shutdown, but this one could bring with it a new threat: further reductions in the federal workforce.
cen.acs.org/policy/resea...
cen.acs.org/policy/resea...
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
I admit that when i started working on this project with @kvasquez.bsky.social, i didn’t think i knew any chemists with disabilities 🧵1/ cen.acs.org/people/profi... @cenmag.bsky.social
Trailblazers: Chemists with disabilities rethink how we do science
C&EN’s 2025 Trailblazers issue, curated by guest editor Mona Minkara, looks at how chemists can solve problems in new ways
cen.acs.org
September 16, 2025 at 12:40 PM
I admit that when i started working on this project with @kvasquez.bsky.social, i didn’t think i knew any chemists with disabilities 🧵1/ cen.acs.org/people/profi... @cenmag.bsky.social
It so was hard to imagine having successful career in science as a disabled PhD student that eventually I just left.
Who could have guessed that years later I would help create a magazine issue dedicated to highlighting Trailblazing disabled chemists!
cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM
Who could have guessed that years later I would help create a magazine issue dedicated to highlighting Trailblazing disabled chemists!
cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM
Trailblazers: Chemists with disabilities rethink how we do science
C&EN’s 2025 Trailblazers issue, curated by guest editor Mona Minkara, looks at how chemists can solve problems in new ways
cen.acs.org
September 15, 2025 at 6:16 PM
It so was hard to imagine having successful career in science as a disabled PhD student that eventually I just left.
Who could have guessed that years later I would help create a magazine issue dedicated to highlighting Trailblazing disabled chemists!
cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM
Who could have guessed that years later I would help create a magazine issue dedicated to highlighting Trailblazing disabled chemists!
cen.acs.org/people/profi...
#DisabledInSTEM
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
And be sure to read through the rest of the package, ably edited by my colleagues @mannyfoxmorone.bsky.social and @kvasquez.bsky.social, featuring how chemists with disabilities are reimagining the discipline: cen.acs.org/people/profi...
Trailblazers: Chemists with disabilities rethink how we do science
C&EN’s 2025 Trailblazers issue, curated by guest editor Mona Minkara, looks at how chemists can solve problems in new ways
cen.acs.org
September 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
And be sure to read through the rest of the package, ably edited by my colleagues @mannyfoxmorone.bsky.social and @kvasquez.bsky.social, featuring how chemists with disabilities are reimagining the discipline: cen.acs.org/people/profi...
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
Artur Mylin was unfazed when his friend called him in the middle of the night to tell him that the war had begun.
September 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Artur Mylin was unfazed when his friend called him in the middle of the night to tell him that the war had begun.
Where have I been the past couple months? Working on a project that will feature #DisabledInSTEM chemists who pushing the boundaries of their fields! Can't wait for that to go live Monday!
Until then, I invite you to read about 8 disabled scientists who left a lasting mark on modern chemistry. ⬇️
Until then, I invite you to read about 8 disabled scientists who left a lasting mark on modern chemistry. ⬇️
The landscape of life-altering medicines, the ways we “see” molecular structures, and even the periodic table wouldn’t be the same without chemists with disabilities. They’ve been working & innovating since the age of modern chemistry began in the 18th and 19th centuries
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
cen.acs.org/careers/dive...
8 chemists with disabilities who left their mark on history
Scientists with disabilities ascended to the forefronts of their fields long before labs were accessible and civil rights were codified
cen.acs.org
September 12, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Where have I been the past couple months? Working on a project that will feature #DisabledInSTEM chemists who pushing the boundaries of their fields! Can't wait for that to go live Monday!
Until then, I invite you to read about 8 disabled scientists who left a lasting mark on modern chemistry. ⬇️
Until then, I invite you to read about 8 disabled scientists who left a lasting mark on modern chemistry. ⬇️
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
Many hands make light work! At the @acs.org Chemists With Disabilities (CWD) Braille Periodic Table activity at the #ACSFall2025 Member Lounge, over 100 people have helped glue braille dots for element symbols so far. One is almost done! Aiming to finish both Tuesday, so come join us to help out!
August 18, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Many hands make light work! At the @acs.org Chemists With Disabilities (CWD) Braille Periodic Table activity at the #ACSFall2025 Member Lounge, over 100 people have helped glue braille dots for element symbols so far. One is almost done! Aiming to finish both Tuesday, so come join us to help out!
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
Discover the redesigned C&EN online.
The site is built to help you stay informed about chemistry, with a streamlined layout, smarter navigation, and curated selections from our editorial team. cen.acs.org?sc=250723_sc...
The site is built to help you stay informed about chemistry, with a streamlined layout, smarter navigation, and curated selections from our editorial team. cen.acs.org?sc=250723_sc...
July 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Discover the redesigned C&EN online.
The site is built to help you stay informed about chemistry, with a streamlined layout, smarter navigation, and curated selections from our editorial team. cen.acs.org?sc=250723_sc...
The site is built to help you stay informed about chemistry, with a streamlined layout, smarter navigation, and curated selections from our editorial team. cen.acs.org?sc=250723_sc...
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
NSF staff release their appeal—slightly different format than the declarations of dissent from EPA/NIH/NASA; a more formal petition to Congress to redress attacks on the agency and its employees. 149 signatories (48 named)
democrats-science.house.gov/imo/media/do...
democrats-science.house.gov/imo/media/do...
July 22, 2025 at 4:56 PM
NSF staff release their appeal—slightly different format than the declarations of dissent from EPA/NIH/NASA; a more formal petition to Congress to redress attacks on the agency and its employees. 149 signatories (48 named)
democrats-science.house.gov/imo/media/do...
democrats-science.house.gov/imo/media/do...
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
Gutting the National Climate Assessment is just one way the Trump administration is undermining the legal justification to limit greenhouse gas emissions. cen.acs.org/environment/... #chemsky 🧪
How the White House is dismantling the heart of US climate policy
Gutting the National Climate Assessment is just one way the Trump administration is undermining the legal justification to limit greenhouse gas emissions
cen.acs.org
July 22, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Gutting the National Climate Assessment is just one way the Trump administration is undermining the legal justification to limit greenhouse gas emissions. cen.acs.org/environment/... #chemsky 🧪
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
🧪 For those following indirect rates (not normally an issue with so much drama!):
Senate bill, out today, seeks to block the admin from making abrupt changes to indirect rates at NSF, NASA, and NOAA: www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
Senate bill, out today, seeks to block the admin from making abrupt changes to indirect rates at NSF, NASA, and NOAA: www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
July 18, 2025 at 8:50 PM
🧪 For those following indirect rates (not normally an issue with so much drama!):
Senate bill, out today, seeks to block the admin from making abrupt changes to indirect rates at NSF, NASA, and NOAA: www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
Senate bill, out today, seeks to block the admin from making abrupt changes to indirect rates at NSF, NASA, and NOAA: www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
And here's the bill text that was approved by the Senate committee: www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
It would give the NSF $1 billion for STEM education.
For comparison:
FY2024: ~$1.2 billion
President's request: $288 million
It would give the NSF $1 billion for STEM education.
For comparison:
FY2024: ~$1.2 billion
President's request: $288 million
From the Senate committee bill summary:
NSF: $9 billion
NASA: $24.9 billion
NOAA: $6.1 billion
NIST: $1.6 billion
www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
NSF: $9 billion
NASA: $24.9 billion
NOAA: $6.1 billion
NIST: $1.6 billion
www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
July 18, 2025 at 5:10 PM
And here's the bill text that was approved by the Senate committee: www.appropriations.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
It would give the NSF $1 billion for STEM education.
For comparison:
FY2024: ~$1.2 billion
President's request: $288 million
It would give the NSF $1 billion for STEM education.
For comparison:
FY2024: ~$1.2 billion
President's request: $288 million
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
📰 Save NSF has another newsletter coming out this week. Sign up for our mailing list, so you don't miss out on any important updates or resources.
www.savensf.com/join-our-list
#SaveNSF #stayuptodate
www.savensf.com/join-our-list
#SaveNSF #stayuptodate
July 17, 2025 at 9:17 PM
📰 Save NSF has another newsletter coming out this week. Sign up for our mailing list, so you don't miss out on any important updates or resources.
www.savensf.com/join-our-list
#SaveNSF #stayuptodate
www.savensf.com/join-our-list
#SaveNSF #stayuptodate
Bill passes 19-10 and is off to the full Senate for consideration. The bill currently keeps NSF's budget flat at $9 billion.
Senate Appropriations Committee is resuming consideration of the bill that contains the FY 2026 budgets for agencies like NASA, NOAA and NSF. Watch the markup here: www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings/ful...
@nature.com has a good summary of what's happened so far: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@nature.com has a good summary of what's happened so far: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Full Committee Markup of Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Acts | United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
www.appropriations.senate.gov
July 17, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Bill passes 19-10 and is off to the full Senate for consideration. The bill currently keeps NSF's budget flat at $9 billion.
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
19 ayes and 10 nays on the bill, so the it passes and will be reported to the broader Senate.
July 17, 2025 at 6:20 PM
19 ayes and 10 nays on the bill, so the it passes and will be reported to the broader Senate.
Senate Appropriations Committee is resuming consideration of the bill that contains the FY 2026 budgets for agencies like NASA, NOAA and NSF. Watch the markup here: www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings/ful...
@nature.com has a good summary of what's happened so far: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@nature.com has a good summary of what's happened so far: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Full Committee Markup of Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Acts | United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
www.appropriations.senate.gov
July 17, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Senate Appropriations Committee is resuming consideration of the bill that contains the FY 2026 budgets for agencies like NASA, NOAA and NSF. Watch the markup here: www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings/ful...
@nature.com has a good summary of what's happened so far: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
@nature.com has a good summary of what's happened so far: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Some NSF-related news from Rebecca Trager at @chemistryworld.com: NSF employees were working on their own version of a dissent declaration, but have since paused the effort after EPA employees faced retaliation for releasing a similar document.
www.chemistryworld.com/news/nationa...
www.chemistryworld.com/news/nationa...
National Science Foundation employees’ dissent declaration on ‘indefinite hold’
Document's postponement follows recent suspension of staff at Environmental Protection Agency for releasing similar declaration
www.chemistryworld.com
July 16, 2025 at 3:50 PM
Some NSF-related news from Rebecca Trager at @chemistryworld.com: NSF employees were working on their own version of a dissent declaration, but have since paused the effort after EPA employees faced retaliation for releasing a similar document.
www.chemistryworld.com/news/nationa...
www.chemistryworld.com/news/nationa...
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
🧪 CRITICAL UPDATE: The House draft version is now out.
✅ Like the Senate's version, there's no cut to NASA's budget.
❌ There's a 23% proposed cut to NSF's budget.
8-page summary: appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
Draft bill: appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
✅ Like the Senate's version, there's no cut to NASA's budget.
❌ There's a 23% proposed cut to NSF's budget.
8-page summary: appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
Draft bill: appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
🧪 BREAKING (good news): Senate subcommittee says NO! to Trump's proposed slashes to NASA & NSF funding.
Today, the subcommittee said to keep NASA + NSF funding at $33.9 billion, the same as in FY24.
See 7:15 below. Full Senate appropriations committee meets tomorrow about it.
🧵 1/3
Today, the subcommittee said to keep NASA + NSF funding at $33.9 billion, the same as in FY24.
See 7:15 below. Full Senate appropriations committee meets tomorrow about it.
🧵 1/3
Subcommittee Markup of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act | United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
www.appropriations.senate.gov
July 14, 2025 at 4:14 PM
🧪 CRITICAL UPDATE: The House draft version is now out.
✅ Like the Senate's version, there's no cut to NASA's budget.
❌ There's a 23% proposed cut to NSF's budget.
8-page summary: appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
Draft bill: appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
✅ Like the Senate's version, there's no cut to NASA's budget.
❌ There's a 23% proposed cut to NSF's budget.
8-page summary: appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
Draft bill: appropriations.house.gov/sites/evo-su...
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
BREAKING: Judge rules that during its large-scale enforcement operation in LA, DHS/ICE has been arresting people without probable cause -- based on factors like accent and line of work.
She orders the agencies to stop.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
She orders the agencies to stop.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
July 12, 2025 at 1:36 AM
BREAKING: Judge rules that during its large-scale enforcement operation in LA, DHS/ICE has been arresting people without probable cause -- based on factors like accent and line of work.
She orders the agencies to stop.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
She orders the agencies to stop.
storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.us...
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
The Senate Committee on Appropriations gave the first signs Congress will push back on Trump's proposed budget cuts to science and instead keep funding flat, though an unrelated issue (the location of the FBI headquarters) stalled any vote today.
@alexwitze.bsky.social and I report:
@alexwitze.bsky.social and I report:
US senators poised to reject Trump’s proposed massive science cuts
Committee gives first hint that policymakers might preserve, rather than slash, funding for US National Science Foundation and other agencies.
www.nature.com
July 10, 2025 at 9:47 PM
The Senate Committee on Appropriations gave the first signs Congress will push back on Trump's proposed budget cuts to science and instead keep funding flat, though an unrelated issue (the location of the FBI headquarters) stalled any vote today.
@alexwitze.bsky.social and I report:
@alexwitze.bsky.social and I report:
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
Short summary of Senate Appropriations hearing:
Bipartisan agreement to keep funding at FY '24 levels for NASA/NSF passes 21-6
Van Hollen adds an amendment on FBI HQ which passes thanks to Murkowski
Republican members change votes to no, threatening the bill.
Now in... indefinite recess 🤷♂️
Bipartisan agreement to keep funding at FY '24 levels for NASA/NSF passes 21-6
Van Hollen adds an amendment on FBI HQ which passes thanks to Murkowski
Republican members change votes to no, threatening the bill.
Now in... indefinite recess 🤷♂️
Senate committee on appropriations markup meeting is starting now. They'll be discussing a lot of stuff, but in particular, science agencies like NSF & NASA.
Yesterday Sen. Moran indicated funding would be 33.9 billion, preserving FY '24 numbers.
www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings/ful...
Yesterday Sen. Moran indicated funding would be 33.9 billion, preserving FY '24 numbers.
www.appropriations.senate.gov/hearings/ful...
Full Committee Markup of Commerce, Justice, Science; Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA; and Legislative Branch Appropriations Acts | United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
United States Senate Committee on Appropriations
www.appropriations.senate.gov
July 10, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Short summary of Senate Appropriations hearing:
Bipartisan agreement to keep funding at FY '24 levels for NASA/NSF passes 21-6
Van Hollen adds an amendment on FBI HQ which passes thanks to Murkowski
Republican members change votes to no, threatening the bill.
Now in... indefinite recess 🤷♂️
Bipartisan agreement to keep funding at FY '24 levels for NASA/NSF passes 21-6
Van Hollen adds an amendment on FBI HQ which passes thanks to Murkowski
Republican members change votes to no, threatening the bill.
Now in... indefinite recess 🤷♂️
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
No. The OBBA covers mandatory spending, taxes, and some policy issues with budget implications. Discretionary spending is handled through appropriation bills now in the works.
It is confusing. And Google AI (at least) gets it wrong.
It is confusing. And Google AI (at least) gets it wrong.
This is so confusing - even for some of us trying to pay attention.
Didn't passage of OBBA enact the president's budget?
Didn't passage of OBBA enact the president's budget?
July 10, 2025 at 4:19 PM
No. The OBBA covers mandatory spending, taxes, and some policy issues with budget implications. Discretionary spending is handled through appropriation bills now in the works.
It is confusing. And Google AI (at least) gets it wrong.
It is confusing. And Google AI (at least) gets it wrong.
Reposted by Krystal Vasquez
Baldwin (D-WI) offers amendment reinstating over 1500 terminated NSF grants. "Every member of this committee has had research grants terminated for universities in their states."
Moran: Appreciate Sen. Baldwin to make sure NSF is fulfilling its mission. Opposes amendment b/c overly broad.
Moran: Appreciate Sen. Baldwin to make sure NSF is fulfilling its mission. Opposes amendment b/c overly broad.
July 10, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Baldwin (D-WI) offers amendment reinstating over 1500 terminated NSF grants. "Every member of this committee has had research grants terminated for universities in their states."
Moran: Appreciate Sen. Baldwin to make sure NSF is fulfilling its mission. Opposes amendment b/c overly broad.
Moran: Appreciate Sen. Baldwin to make sure NSF is fulfilling its mission. Opposes amendment b/c overly broad.